The Rashīdī History 138.3

138.3

In a word, his liberality was so unbounded, that all men flocked to him. At this period he went to Aksu and Moghulistán, and paid his respects to Dust Muhammad Khán, son of Isán Bughá Khán. Dust Muhammad Khán treated him with honour, and after giving him his own sister in marriage, allowed him to depart. It would take too long to tell this story, and the details would carry us too far afield. In short, he managed, by one means or another, to reduce Yarkand, which is one of the most renowned cities of the province of Káshghar, and is distant four days' journey from the town of that name. To-day Yarkand is the capital of Káshghar. He had collected 3000 men in his following, who had to oppose 30,000. When his troops reached that district, he openly sounded the drum of ascendency, and rang the bells of independence. Muhammad Haidar Mirza went out to meet him with an army of 30,000 infantry and cavalry, but he was defeated and fled. He sought refuge with Yunus Khan, who was his cousin. The Khan also undervalued the strength of Mirza Aba Bakr, and did not take his whole army. He came against him with 30,000 armed men. Muhammad Haidar Mirza again made ready his forces, as best he could, and set out [with Yunus Khan]. This time, also, [Mirza Aba Bakr] sallied forth from the gates of the citadel of Yarkand with 3000 chosen men, and defeated and scattered these two armies; and Yunus Khan and Muhammad Haidar Mirza both retired, crestfallen, to Kashghar.